“Today, President Obama called on each of us and Democratic and Republican leaders to come together, for the well-being of our nation, to build an immigration system that works for America,” said LIRS CEO and President Linda Hartke.

“President Obama’s words of conviction today, together with the delivery yesterday of bipartisan principles for reform by eight senators, show that now is the moment for Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform. The American people want reform now, and communities yearn to truly welcome their neighbors as they move out of the shadows and strengthen the fabric of our nation’s economy and culture as immigrants always have,” said Hartke.

“LIRS and Lutherans all across this country will be lifting up our voices and engaging lawmakers from both parties to answer the president’s call for fair and compassionate immigration reform that is both business and family friendly,” said Hartke.

“We look forward to standing with President Obama this year as he signs a fair and just immigration reform bill into law—one that provides a roadmap to citizenship, ensures enforcement measures are humane and just, protects families from separation, promotes integration of vulnerable migrants, and protects U.S. and migrant workers,” said Hartke.

Providing a roadmap to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and their families

Ensuring humane and just immigration enforcement, specifically by reducing use of detention

Safeguarding families from separation and ensuring sufficient visas for families seeking to reunite

Promoting integration of those fleeing persecution and other vulnerable migrants

Protecting U.S. citizen and migrant workers

LIRS is nationally recognized for its leadership advocating on behalf of refugees, asylum seekers, unaccompanied children, immigrants in detention, families fractured by migration and other vulnerable populations, and for providing services to migrants through over 60 grassroots legal and social service partners across the United States.